Jesus on Jesus (Part 2)

June 18, 2008 By Shane Vander Hart

Picking up from part 1. Mark Driscoll in addressing the question of who Jesus is, looked at what Jesus said about Himself. I listed the first five ways in which Jesus claimed He is God in the previous post.

Here are the last five:

6. Jesus confirmed to others He is God.

But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.”Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy, (Matthew 26:63-65, ESV).

Jesus was accused of blasphemy! The penalty for that was death. Why would He say that if it were not so? Jesus declared He was God and didn’t recant when accused of blasphemy.

7. Jesus said He was sinless.

Sin is both doing what is wrong, and not doing what is right. The Bible also states that sin not just includes our actions (or non-actions), but also our thoughts, motives and words.

Nobody can claim to be without sin. No one credible has done so. Jesus is the only Person in history who can make that claim.

Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me, (John 8:46, ESV).

Peter calls him the Holy and Righteous One, (Acts 3:14).

He is referred to as a lamb without blemish or spot, (1 Peter 1:19)

"He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth," (1 Peter 2:22, ESV).

The Apostle John said that those who claim to be without sin are liars, (1 John 1:8). He also said that Jesus was without sin, (1 John 3:5).

"For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God, (2 Corinthians 5:21, ESV).

8. Jesus forgave sin.

We can forgive those who sinned against us, but what about those who sin against God? We can’t. Only God can forgive those who have sinned against Him. But yet, Jesus did just that.

When He saw the faith of the paralytic and the men who lowered him through the roof of the house he was teaching in, he said, "Man, your sins are forgiven you," (Luke 5:20). At that point he is accused of blasphemy by the Pharisees and scribes because, "who can forgive sins but God alone?"

9. Jesus taught people to pray to Him as God.

Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it, (John 14:13-14, ESV).

He did this numerous times. He said:

Whatever we ask the Father in His name will be given to us, (John 15:16).

If we ask in His name we’ll receive that our joy would be made full, (John 16:24).

Also Stephen cried out to Jesus as he was being stoned to death for Jesus to receive his spirit, (Acts 7:59). Many people cry out to Jesus in times of desperate need. If Jesus is not God those prayers are made in vain.

10. Jesus said He is the only way to heaven.

Responding to Philip who told Jesus to show them the Father and that would be enough for them.

"I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him," (John 14:6-7, ESV).

Jesus even said that narrow is the gate that leads to salvation, (Matthew 7:13-14), but so many want to broaden it. Jesus said it was through Him and Him alone.

The question remains to be answered, how should we respond to the incredible person, work and claims of Jesus?

Shane Vander Hart is the founder and editor-in-chief of Caffeinated Thoughts. He is also the President of 4:15 Communications, LLC, a social media & communications consulting/management firm. Prior to this Shane spent 20 years in youth ministry serving in church, parachurch, and school settings. He has also served as an interim pastor and is a sought after speaker and pulpit fill-in. Shane has been married to his wife Cheryl since 1993 and they have three kids. Shane and his family reside near Des Moines, IA.

Related

About Shane Vander Hart

Shane Vander Hart is the founder and editor-in-chief of Caffeinated Thoughts. He is also the President of 4:15 Communications, LLC, a social media & communications consulting/management firm. Prior to this Shane spent 20 years in youth ministry serving in church, parachurch, and school settings. He has also served as an interim pastor and is a sought after speaker and pulpit fill-in. Shane has been married to his wife Cheryl since 1993 and they have three kids. Shane and his family reside near Des Moines, IA.

Comments

This is blatantly not true. In Matthew 26 Jesus is accused of blasphemy – on the charge he was the Messiah – which he actually agreed to with the term ‘the son of man’. Nowhere in that passage or in any other form in the other gospels is Jesus called God. He is termed with ‘son of God’ but that is not the title of the One God either. Unless you can find a place where the One God is called the ‘son of God’ at any point? However, let this be noted, son of God can be found in Job and in rabbinical lit being used about people and judges of the law.

I would also point out, if Jesus was indeed sinless (which is a Christian claim), then he could not be guilty of blasphemy by the Law (a sin). If he was guilty – he broke the law and deserved the penalty. As I point out, the fact he was not tried for being God then the charges were not legit.

“Jesus said He was sinless”

And the point is? Sinless or sinful – this does not prove equality with God – since this is never mentioned in the prophets or the law as a thing that would make one God. As a proof for the Messiah – maybe – but for one to be God – I cannot find that proof text.

“Jesus forgave sin”

Jesus was the Messiah of God – messiah meaning ‘anointed one’…well what was he anointed with? He seemed to be endued with the powers of judgment – which would make him someone of authority on the teachings of the law and prophets. Jesus just so happens to use this ‘anointing’ to forgive and heal people. It does show that Jesus was close to God – no doubts from me – but it also shows the confusion of the people around Jesus to recognize this (thus explaining the charge at the trial).

It’s also rather odd that Jesus teaches us to become forgiving “’And forgive us our sins, For we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us” (Luke 11:4). Jesus seems to be laying out a lifestyle that will surround the Christian community – inaugurated by Jesus himself.

“Jesus taught people to pray to Him as God”

Although this is somewhat true – if Jesus is the Messiah and at ‘the right hand of God’ then it would also make as much sense…Jesus has been given this authority by God. Ever notice when Jesus addresses this point of interest – he is always glorifying the Father (ie: he knows there is a difference between the son and the Father).

Matt 6:6 “close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret”
Matt 6:9 “Pray, then, in this way: ‘Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name”
Matt 14:23 “After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray”
Matt 26:39 “And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.”
Luke 5:16 “But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray”
Luke 6:12 “It was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God”
John 17:1 “Jesus spoke these things; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, that the Son may glorify You”

Many examples of prayer and here is what they teach:

(a) Jesus prayed to God (a lot) – so logically if Jesus is God then he has no need to pray (to himself) – unless God is divided into pieces
(b) Jesus teaches us to pray to the Father – namely in the Our Father prayer
(c) Jesus prayed to the Father – and received all his anointing from God – John 17 clearly points this out – and he also understood the son does not mean Father.

“Jesus said He is the only way to heaven”

I have contended this point many times – is the passage literal or pointing to something else? I do not deny Jesus is the only way – but to me Jesus is defined by following his teachings. Reason I say this – well it’s in the same chapter – a few times:

“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15)
“He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me” (John 14:21)
“If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him” (John 14:23)

In the same chapter:

“You heard that I said to you, ‘I go away, and I will come to you ‘ If you loved Me, you would have rejoiced because I go to the Father, for the Father is greater than I” (John 14:28)

The Father is greater than I? If Jesus is making a claim to godhood – either John is a Gentile writing this (many gods in a hierarchy) or does not understand the meaning of One God. How can God be greater than another aspect of God? Does not the teachings on the Trinity mean the 3 are 1 (equal)? Or maybe, and this is the obvious part, Jesus is not making that claim at all about being God.

“The question remains to be answered, how should we respond to the incredible person, work and claims of Jesus?” (Shane)

For me it is as easy as following the teachings of Jesus – developing a morality/godliness in our lives that helps to revere our love for the human race (which God also loves) and a respect for our Great Creator/Father…who gives us the privilege of having the glory of life.

This is blatantly not true. In Matthew 26 Jesus is accused of blasphemy – on the charge he was the Messiah – which he actually agreed to with the term ‘the son of man’. Nowhere in that passage or in any other form in the other gospels is Jesus called God. He is termed with ‘son of God’ but that is not the title of the One God either. Unless you can find a place where the One God is called the ‘son of God’ at any point? However, let this be noted, son of God can be found in Job and in rabbinical lit being used about people and judges of the law.

I would also point out, if Jesus was indeed sinless (which is a Christian claim), then he could not be guilty of blasphemy by the Law (a sin). If he was guilty – he broke the law and deserved the penalty. As I point out, the fact he was not tried for being God then the charges were not legit.

“Jesus said He was sinless”

And the point is? Sinless or sinful – this does not prove equality with God – since this is never mentioned in the prophets or the law as a thing that would make one God. As a proof for the Messiah – maybe – but for one to be God – I cannot find that proof text.

“Jesus forgave sin”

Jesus was the Messiah of God – messiah meaning ‘anointed one’…well what was he anointed with? He seemed to be endued with the powers of judgment – which would make him someone of authority on the teachings of the law and prophets. Jesus just so happens to use this ‘anointing’ to forgive and heal people. It does show that Jesus was close to God – no doubts from me – but it also shows the confusion of the people around Jesus to recognize this (thus explaining the charge at the trial).

It’s also rather odd that Jesus teaches us to become forgiving “’And forgive us our sins, For we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us” (Luke 11:4). Jesus seems to be laying out a lifestyle that will surround the Christian community – inaugurated by Jesus himself.

“Jesus taught people to pray to Him as God”

Although this is somewhat true – if Jesus is the Messiah and at ‘the right hand of God’ then it would also make as much sense…Jesus has been given this authority by God. Ever notice when Jesus addresses this point of interest – he is always glorifying the Father (ie: he knows there is a difference between the son and the Father).

Matt 6:6 “close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret”
Matt 6:9 “Pray, then, in this way: ‘Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name”
Matt 14:23 “After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray”
Matt 26:39 “And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.”
Luke 5:16 “But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray”
Luke 6:12 “It was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God”
John 17:1 “Jesus spoke these things; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, that the Son may glorify You”

Many examples of prayer and here is what they teach:

(a) Jesus prayed to God (a lot) – so logically if Jesus is God then he has no need to pray (to himself) – unless God is divided into pieces
(b) Jesus teaches us to pray to the Father – namely in the Our Father prayer
(c) Jesus prayed to the Father – and received all his anointing from God – John 17 clearly points this out – and he also understood the son does not mean Father.

“Jesus said He is the only way to heaven”

I have contended this point many times – is the passage literal or pointing to something else? I do not deny Jesus is the only way – but to me Jesus is defined by following his teachings. Reason I say this – well it’s in the same chapter – a few times:

“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15)
“He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me” (John 14:21)
“If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him” (John 14:23)

In the same chapter:

“You heard that I said to you, ‘I go away, and I will come to you ‘ If you loved Me, you would have rejoiced because I go to the Father, for the Father is greater than I” (John 14:28)

The Father is greater than I? If Jesus is making a claim to godhood – either John is a Gentile writing this (many gods in a hierarchy) or does not understand the meaning of One God. How can God be greater than another aspect of God? Does not the teachings on the Trinity mean the 3 are 1 (equal)? Or maybe, and this is the obvious part, Jesus is not making that claim at all about being God.

“The question remains to be answered, how should we respond to the incredible person, work and claims of Jesus?” (Shane)

For me it is as easy as following the teachings of Jesus – developing a morality/godliness in our lives that helps to revere our love for the human race (which God also loves) and a respect for our Great Creator/Father…who gives us the privilege of having the glory of life.

This is blatantly not true. In Matthew 26 Jesus is accused of blasphemy – on the charge he was the Messiah – which he actually agreed to with the term ‘the son of man’. Nowhere in that passage or in any other form in the other gospels is Jesus called God. He is termed with ‘son of God’ but that is not the title of the One God either. Unless you can find a place where the One God is called the ‘son of God’ at any point? However, let this be noted, son of God can be found in Job and in rabbinical lit being used about people and judges of the law.

I would also point out, if Jesus was indeed sinless (which is a Christian claim), then he could not be guilty of blasphemy by the Law (a sin). If he was guilty – he broke the law and deserved the penalty. As I point out, the fact he was not tried for being God then the charges were not legit.

“Jesus said He was sinless”

And the point is? Sinless or sinful – this does not prove equality with God – since this is never mentioned in the prophets or the law as a thing that would make one God. As a proof for the Messiah – maybe – but for one to be God – I cannot find that proof text.

“Jesus forgave sin”

Jesus was the Messiah of God – messiah meaning ‘anointed one’…well what was he anointed with? He seemed to be endued with the powers of judgment – which would make him someone of authority on the teachings of the law and prophets. Jesus just so happens to use this ‘anointing’ to forgive and heal people. It does show that Jesus was close to God – no doubts from me – but it also shows the confusion of the people around Jesus to recognize this (thus explaining the charge at the trial).

It’s also rather odd that Jesus teaches us to become forgiving “’And forgive us our sins, For we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us” (Luke 11:4). Jesus seems to be laying out a lifestyle that will surround the Christian community – inaugurated by Jesus himself.

“Jesus taught people to pray to Him as God”

Although this is somewhat true – if Jesus is the Messiah and at ‘the right hand of God’ then it would also make as much sense…Jesus has been given this authority by God. Ever notice when Jesus addresses this point of interest – he is always glorifying the Father (ie: he knows there is a difference between the son and the Father).

Matt 6:6 “close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret”
Matt 6:9 “Pray, then, in this way: ‘Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name”
Matt 14:23 “After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray”
Matt 26:39 “And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.”
Luke 5:16 “But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray”
Luke 6:12 “It was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God”
John 17:1 “Jesus spoke these things; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, that the Son may glorify You”

Many examples of prayer and here is what they teach:

(a) Jesus prayed to God (a lot) – so logically if Jesus is God then he has no need to pray (to himself) – unless God is divided into pieces
(b) Jesus teaches us to pray to the Father – namely in the Our Father prayer
(c) Jesus prayed to the Father – and received all his anointing from God – John 17 clearly points this out – and he also understood the son does not mean Father.

“Jesus said He is the only way to heaven”

I have contended this point many times – is the passage literal or pointing to something else? I do not deny Jesus is the only way – but to me Jesus is defined by following his teachings. Reason I say this – well it’s in the same chapter – a few times:

“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15)
“He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me” (John 14:21)
“If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him” (John 14:23)

In the same chapter:

“You heard that I said to you, ‘I go away, and I will come to you ‘ If you loved Me, you would have rejoiced because I go to the Father, for the Father is greater than I” (John 14:28)

The Father is greater than I? If Jesus is making a claim to godhood – either John is a Gentile writing this (many gods in a hierarchy) or does not understand the meaning of One God. How can God be greater than another aspect of God? Does not the teachings on the Trinity mean the 3 are 1 (equal)? Or maybe, and this is the obvious part, Jesus is not making that claim at all about being God.

“The question remains to be answered, how should we respond to the incredible person, work and claims of Jesus?” (Shane)

For me it is as easy as following the teachings of Jesus – developing a morality/godliness in our lives that helps to revere our love for the human race (which God also loves) and a respect for our Great Creator/Father…who gives us the privilege of having the glory of life.